Charity tins stolen in brazen Warrnambool robberies

POLICE are seeking information after charity tins were stolen during dawn raids in Warrnambool this morning.

The burglaries, which police say are linked, occurred at the Homemaker Centre Subway outlet and at the Mortlake Road IGA service station.

Detective senior constable Wayne Ryan said the first burglary happened about 4.40am at Subway in the city's east while the second took place about 5.20am at the fuel station.

"We believe the same offenders forced entry into both buildings by smashing the front door," detective senior constable Ryan said.

He said a charity tin with donations for the Royal Children's Hospital was stolen from Subway. It is unknown which charity benefitted from donations from the service station tin. Both contained an unknown amount of money.

No employees were present at the time of the robberies.

Earlier reports that witnesses heard a gunshot in Mortlake Road were attributed to the noise of the building's front window being smashed.

Police are urging people who may have seen a dark blue or dark green VR or VS Commodore sedan in the areas around the time of the burglaries to contact them.

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Warrnambool CIU on 55601199.